Background The uninhabited islands were discovered and colonized by the Portuguese in the 15th century; they subsequently became a trading center for African slaves and later an important coaling and resupply stop for whaling and transatlantic shipping. Most Cape Verdeans have both African and Portuguese antecedents. Independence was achieved in 1975.

NOTE: The information regarding Cape Verde on this page is re-published from the 2002 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Cape Verde Introduction 2002 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Cape Verde Introduction 2002 should be addressed to the CIA.